Safeguarding Policy

The purpose and scope of this policy statement 

Hastings International Piano works with children, families and vulnerable adults as part of its activities. These include: music workshops, concert attendance, performances and talks in schools.  

The purpose of this policy statement is: 

  • to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who receive Hastings International Piano’s services. This includes the children of adults who use our services. 

  • to provide parents, staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide 

our approach to child protection. 

This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of Hastings International Piano including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students. 

Legal framework 

This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children and vulnerable adults in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/child protection.  

We believe that: 

  • children, young people and vulnerable adults should never experience abuse of any kind.  

  • we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them. 

 

  • We recognise that: 

  • the welfare of the child is paramount 

  • all children and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse 

  • some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues 

  • working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare. We will seek to keep children and young people safe by valuing, listening to and respecting them 

  • appointing a nominated child protection/safeguarding lead, a deputy child protection/safeguarding lead and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding 

  • developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice 

  • vulnerable adults must be treated with respect and dignity 

  • supporting vulnerable adults to make their own decisions and participate in activities in ways that suit their needs and abilities is paramount 

  • using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately 

  • creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise 

  • developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures 

  • sharing information about child protection and safeguarding best practice with children, their families, staff and volunteers via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions 

  • recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made 

  • providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures 

  • implementing a code of conduct for staff and volunteers 

  • using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately 

  • ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place 

  • ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance 

  • recording and storing information professionally and securely. 

Contact details 

Nominated Safeguarding lead 

Name: Ian Brignall 

Phone/email: ian.brignall@hastingsinternationalpiano.org 

Senior lead for safeguarding and child protection 

Name: Ian Brignall  

Phone: 07881 587532 

Email: ian.brignall@hastingsinternationalpiano.org 

NSPCC Helpline 

0808 800 5000 

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. 

This policy was last reviewed on: ………7th May 2024… 

By: ………Mark Lam……… 

 

Hastings International Piano is a registered charity

(Registered Charity Number 1192703)  

Our registered address is

The Festival Office, White Rock Theatre, Hastings, TN34 1JX.